NCR home to USSSA Military World Series champions

A U.S. Special Sports Association Military World Series ring rests in a glove on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 23, 2017. Approximately 20 women from the National Capital Region who make up the Lady Not Forgotten softball team brought back the winning title from the tournament held every year in August in Augusta, Ga., Aug. 14. (Photo by Senior Airman Mariah Haddenham)

Lady Not Forgotten teammates take a selfie at the U.S. Special Sports Association Military World Series held every year in August in Augusta, Ga., Aug. 14.This is the team’s first time winning the USSSA Military World Series. (Photo by Senior Airman Mariah Haddenham)

Approximately 20 women from various U.S. Military branches and dependents from the National Capital Region, who make up the Lady Not Forgotten softball team, brought back the title from the annual U.S. Special Sports Association Military World Series in Augusta, Ga., Aug. 14.

The team played in several tournaments, both civilian and military, and placed first in four out of five tournaments throughout the year to get ready for the USSSA Military World Series, where more than 130 teams competed. Lady Not Forgotten went undefeated throughout the tournament, earning the team their title as military world champions.

“Now we have something that will surely last a lifetime and to say ‘hey, we did that’....it's something to be very proud of,” said Rebecca Fowler, 11th Security Forces Group key spouse mentor.

The Lady Not Forgotten team was created in 2015 with a vison to provide awareness in the community about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by recognizing the men and women who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice or suffered a life-altering disability while serving.

“When I took over this team over in November 2016, I had three goals: become a family, become a team and play for the name on the front of our jersey, ‘Not Forgotten,’” said Tech. Sgt. Larry Russell, 11th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant and team coach. “LNF dedicates every effort on and off the field to those military members that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.”

Both players and coaches of LNF have always had a vision of what the team should be and worked hand in hand to achieve a balance.

“I'm honored to take the field with all my teammates,” Fowler said.“It’s all about being part of something bigger. Taking the field with my ladies allows me to have something outside of my family for myself, but helps show my children that, as adults, the passion for the game doesn't have to go away.”

The team is always looking to add players to their line-up and welcome them into their family-like atmosphere.

“We are a very tight-knit group,” Russell said. “We have a unique perspective because we’ve all been involved in the military lifestyle. We take to heart the respects we pay to the men and women who gave everything. The team member’s responsibility is their service to this country first, softball second.”